Page 146 of Maddox

I’d found it.

In a quiet ranch in the middle of nowhere with a rugged man who refused to allow himself to be called a hero.

But I could.

The elevator was taking its time and I leaned against the wall, tingling from the thought of going… home. I’d already made arrangements for everything left in Chicago, selling a few items and having the rest shipped to the ranch.

Now I was eager to enjoy the onset of spring in the mountains.

As I stepped onto the marble foyer, I felt a sense of relief. If only the man of my dreams was here. That would be the tastiest icing on the cake. Laughing to myself, I headed out the doors into the sunshine.

A slight squeal caught my attention and I resisted flinching. Not everyone was out to kill me.

“I’m sorry. My daughter just had to meet you. I hope you don’t mind. You’re her hero.” The woman’s smile was genuine. She held a little girl by the shoulders, trying to keep her daughter from jumping up and down.

In the girl’s hand was a pad and bright purple pen. “Ms. Douglas. Can I have your autograph?”

“Well, of course. What’s your name?”

“Amber. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.”

I wanted to laugh and tell her to choose another profession. “I have no doubt you’ll be an incredible journalist. Just remember, spend time reading books. Lots of books.” I scribbled my name, trying not to laugh out loud. I’d certainly never thought I’d become a role model. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” the woman said. “You made her day.”

“No, you both made mine.” I watched them walk away, the little girl stopping once to turn and wave at me. That was perhaps the best send-off for my retirement. And I was all alone.

A sudden rush of electricity forced me to suck in my breath. I stood where I was as the light breeze wafted a hint of aftershave swirling around me. Sandalwood with a touch of citrus and exotic spices.

“I see my woman is famous.” Every time I heard Maddox’s voice I tingled deep inside.

“I don’t know about that. Plus, I’m not certain I want to be famous.”

“You obviously don’t have a choice.”

“Maybe I need rescuing.”

He chuckled from behind me, drawing close enough that every inch of skin tingled. “Does that mean you’re eager and willing to live by my rules?”

“Rules. Who said we needed any?”

Maddox spun me around to face him, the grin highlighting his dimples. “You definitely need rules, lady. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you in line.”

“What if you can’t?”

He lowered his head until our lips were almost touching. “Then I think you know what will happen.” As he captured my mouth, I melted into his arms and realized it didn’t matter where we were or where we lived, home would always be in his arms.

My mother had once told me I’d been running from myself based on the time spent in an orphanage. I’d always thought she was right. After everything that had happened, all the dangerous moments and uncertainty about life and death, I realized something very important.

I’d been running to something special. Until now, I just hadn’t understood what that was.

A family of my own creation like the one my amazing parents had made for me.

Four months later…

The sun was bright in the sky, barely a cloud. Salsa music played through speakers that had been installed in every guesthouse. The light breeze provided comfort from the intense humidity if only for a little while. I’d made freshly squeezed lemonade for the crew and we were out putting the finishing details on the latest, greatest dude ranch this side of the Mississippi.

Plus, I had a huge surprise for Maddox that should arrive any time. Hopefully, he wasn’t angry with me. If he was, I’d lock him out of our bedroom.

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